The Benefits of Using a Debit Card When Traveling

As states reopen and travel becomes possible again, many Americans are eager to hit the open road or the friendly skies. In fact, after a long hiatus from travel, a recent survey suggested that over 60 percent of Americans plan to travel more in 2021 than they did prior to the pandemicˡ. In a separate survey, over 50% of respondents said they are likely to travel for a family event, while many are likely to travel for the upcoming summer holidays, including Fourth of July and Labor Day^². This is certainly great news for the pandemic-stricken travel industry.

If this sounds like your summer plans, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of carrying plastic or cash. Although cash is convenient, you run the risk of becoming a victim of theft or accidentally losing it. To avoid this hassle while traveling, debit cards offer some advantages that a cash-only option doesn’t.

Take a look at the top four reasons to carry a debit card in your wallet while you travel:

1. Receive Enhanced Mastercard ID Theft Protection (IDT)^™³ – Identity theft has become a worldwide problem. This valuable protection provides you with access to a number of Identity Theft resolution services, should you believe you are a victim of Identity Theft. This safeguard alerts you to possible identity theft used against your debit card. This is done through stringent monitoring protocols that protect your account from damaging use of your registered personal information.
    
2. Enjoy Airport Concierge – MasterCard Airport Concierge^™4, powered by Global Airport Concierge, provides a range of luxury concierge services to make the journey through the airport and beyond as stress free and relaxing as possible. With this benefit, you’ll have access to a personal, dedicated Meet and Greet agent to escort you through the airport at over 700 destinations worldwide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To reserve Mastercard Airport Concierge™ services, simply visit www.mastercard.com/airportconcierge.
    
3. Take Comfort with Zero Liability Protection – With Zero Liability Protection⁵, you’ll enjoy the peace-of-mind of using your card while dining at restaurants, shopping, or enjoying entertainment and events while you travel. You can swipe with the confidence of only paying only for purchases that you have authorized on your First Bank Debit Mastercard^®. First Bank will not hold you responsible for “unauthorized transactions.” As a Mastercard cardholder, Zero Liability applies to your purchases made in the store, over the telephone, online, or via a mobile device and ATM transactions.
    
4. Experience Mastercard Global Service^™6 – When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is to not have access to client support when you need it. With Mastercard^® Global Service, you’ll have around-the-clock client service for all of your card-related questions. “Using a First Bank Debit Mastercard^® while traveling this summer just makes sense,” said Angie Moleski, Assistant Vice President and Product Management Officer. “Not only does it allow you to track your spending, but it also links to your digital wallet for easy tap and go check-out. It’s safe, convenient, and simple.”

For tips to help you stay on track with your spending, read Ten Money-Saving Travel Tips.

Before you book your next vacation, be sure you’re prepared with a First Bank Debit Mastercard^®. If you don’t currently have a First Bank Debit Mastercard^® and would like to receive one, simply visit a branch, contact us, or call 800-760-2265.